Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    148th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 3 & 13, 1945

    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 437 (December 31, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Herbert Leroy Tolley (ASN: 0-1311706), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 3 and 13 February 1945. Company H, 148th Infantry Regiment, of which Second Lieutenant Tolley was a member, was providing mortar support on 3 February 1945, for another company committed to crossing a river and destroying strong enemy emplacements on the opposite shore which were blocking the advance on the town of Polo, Luzon, Philippine Islands. Volunteering to establish an observation post from which to direct the supporting fire, Second Lieutenant Tolley started forward with telephone and wire, and in spite of intense enemy machine gun and rifle fire, continued on until he reached the bank of the river where he set up the position. Although enemy mortar shells were falling all around him, he courageously remained at his post and directed accurate fire which forced the enemy to retreat and paved the way for the final capture of the objective. On 13 February 1945, during intense action which marked the desperate fighting in Manila, he saw that a medical aid man, who was attempting to carry a casualty to safety from an extremely exposed street position, was in need of assistance since even the slightest movement drew a hail of enemy bullets. With complete disregard for his own safety, he ran across 25 yards of open ground under heavy machine gun and rifle fire., reached the two men; and although subjected to heavy enemy machine gun and rifle fire, helped carry the wounded soldier. Before the cover of a nearby building could be reached, he was seriously wounded in the legs and abdomen but despite his mortal wounds, he gallantly continued on and succeeded in dragging the casualty back to safety. Second Lieutenant Tolley died shortly afterwards, but through his indomitable fighting spirit and devotion to the welfare of his comrades at the cost of his own life, he set an example of bravery which was an inspiration to all members of the command. Second Lieutenant Tolley’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.